The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act [PDF]

Consumer and Business Publications

FTC Staff Commentary on the FDCPA (December 13, 1988)

Commission's Annual FDCPA Report (February 2009) [PDF]

FTC Staff Opinion Letters
(April 1988 to May 2002)

Except in unusual circumstances, the staff will no longer issue informal written interpretations of the FDCPA. However, the staff may issue informal opinions or revise its Staff Commentary as necessary to provide guidance regarding significant amendments to the FDCPA in the future.

Collecting Consumer Debts:  The Challenges of Change:  A Federal Trade Commission Workshop Report (February 2009)

Commission FDCPA Advisory Opinions

• FCRA Direct Dispute Rule and FDCPA cease communication requests (June 23, 2009)
• Communicating with consumers regarding possible mortgage settlement options (March 25, 2008)
• Informing consumers that collection efforts have ceased (October 9, 2007)
• Collection activity during the Section 809 dispute period (March 31, 2000)

Debt Collectors Settle with FTC; Abusive Practices Affected Consumers Nationwide

The operators of a debt collection company that used false threats and other unlawful tactics to collect consumers’ debts have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they violated federal law.